Music
Press
Kaya, four amazing female singers with the on-stage charisma usually likened to hip-hop MC’s, performed a very moving set, with each member taking turns in leading the group through originals of differing styles and unique interpretations of classic covers such as Bob Marley’s “Buffalo Soldier” and The John Butler Trio’s “Zebra”. What makes Kaya so entertaining to watch is their familiarity with both their music and each other which combines for an almost cabaret style performance.
By: Adrian Trotman, Serena Ryder / Kaya - Northcote Social Club - December 2006 Review - Adrian Trotman
Tight, gorgeous harmonies, completely engaging performers who know how to mix top of the class talent with a healthy dose of irreverent fun."
Susie Keynes, Fruit Music
"These girls ooze talent ...This is a fresh take on a cappella."
Sulo - The Herd - Kaya
Kaya @ Lizotte’s – July 26
http://www.ozmusicscene.com/
by LKATULKA on July 26th, 2007
Not a lot of good came from Channel Ten’s failed reality talent quest, The X Factor. The series winner’s Random, had two forgettable singles and faded into oblivion. Mark Holden embarrassed himself further. But there was a shining light in the lacklustre affair.
It introduced Australia to Kaya.
These unconventional stars, with bare feet, quirky songs, and unmistakable harmonies worked their way into the hearts of the voting public. Their music defied classification, blending jazz, soul, blues, pop, and folk. That was almost two years ago now, and Kaya have stepped away from the spotlight to further develop their craft.
Last night they took to the stage at Lizotte’s. It was my third time seeing Kaya at this wonderful venue, and once again they delivered the kind of show that keeps me coming back.
Kaya’s set showcased their original songs, many of them familiar now that I’ve seen the group so many times, others new to my ears. However, no matter how many times I’ve heard each song, it always feels like the first time. Their harmonies weave effortlessly, with playful improvisations adding to the fun. The quartet also breathed new life into cover versions of “Buffalo Soldier,” “Big Yellow Taxi,” and John Butler Trio’s “Zebra.”
Unlike many modern acts, Kaya are truly a vocal group.
The mellow tones of an acoustic guitar, drum brushes, and a spot of beat boxing accompanied a handful of tracks, but their voices are always the center. Many songs are fearlessly performed a capella, with the girls gaining strength from one another.
Individually, the talents of Alexandra Kaye, Juleiaah Boehm, Sally Stevens, and Emma Deans are fantastic.
Together, they are truly sensational. - www.ozmusicscene.com/
By Nick La Rosa, Review taken from www.toomuchtalk.net
...Kaya’s live shows have left me anticipating the next time I will catch them. Each new environment is an entire different show, from Sydney’s intimate The basement, to the Marrickvile Festival. Their originals have always turned into little gems in my head since I first saw them several years ago, while they have been quite obviously tight as a live act since they left finished off with that TV competition a few years ago. (which they gorgeously owned as the only original group on the show). Their performance, interpretations and arrangements have matured to the point where their forthcoming release, may put them on the international map. - www.toomuchtalk.net
Felicia Robey:
Rodeo Show Fashion Label,
Breast cancer awareness
"Wow, let me say the biggest of thanks, It meant the absolute world to me to have you there at our event on Wednesday night and I can't express my gratitude enough.
The four of you have the most amazing allure and define what it is to be a Strong and Beautiful woman. Everyone has just been blown away by your music and personalities".
Claire Leonard:
Co-owner of Singing Alive, Manly
"We wanted an act for our singing school's end of year concert that would be
entertaining, but also inspiring for our singing students. Kaya were just
that. Their harmonies were captivating, and their interactions with the
audience really gave a wonderful intimacy to our event.Their repour with the
audience was perfect, and their voices astounding." - Kaya Corporate
Discography
Kaya EP (2005)
Kaya Live (2006)
Somebody's Lyin (2007)
Kaya Christmas (2008)
Kaya Full Length Album(Un-named, for release in 2009)
Photos
Bio
"These girls ooze talent ...This is a fresh take on a cappella."
Sulo - The Herd
"Tight, gorgeous harmonies, completely engaging performers who know how to mix top of the class talent with a healthy dose of irreverent fun."
Susie Keynes, Fruit Music
KAYA is an Australian vocal band featuring the four exquisite voices of Emma Deans, Sally Stevens, Alexi Kaye and Juleiaah Boehm. Together, they create a truly captivating and heartfelt show that is both lyrically and melodically compelling - if not a little cheeky and sensuous as well.
With over 200 shows since their debut at The Vanguard (Sydney) in July 2005, Kaya has been touring extensively around the country, performing at such festivals as Woodford 05 & 06, Blue Mountains Music Festival, Thredbo Blues Festival, Toyota Gympie Muster, Caloundra Festival, Great Southern Blues & Rockabilly Festival, Surry Hills Festival to name a few in addition to performing supports shows for acclaimed artists such as Jimmy Cliff, Lior, Dallas Frasca, Renee Geyer, Afro Moses, Fruit & Canada's Serena Ryder.
KAYA are regulars at The Vanguard (Newtown), The Basement (Sydney), The Supper Club (Darlinghurst),The Brass Monkey (Cronulla), Heritage Hotel (Bulli) and The Clarendon (Katoomba)
KAYA has independently released the Kaya EP (2005), Kaya Live Album (2006) and Somebody’s Lyin Single (2007).
KAYA was selected for a SXSW Music Conference virtual showcase via SecondLife.com in March 2007, the ladies continue to tour extensively and are currently receiving airplay on Triple J, ABC and community stations nationally.
In 2007, KAYA was selected as a NOVA 100 unsigned artist and awarded a MusicNSW regional touring grant!
Emma, Juleiaah, Alexi and Sally started singing together as KAYA at the end of 2004 and haven't stopped since then.
Originally they got together to arrange Lyin' for a Uni project of Emma's and to support each other in their songwriting and singing ambitions but soon realised that singing together created a sound and a feeling that they had not encountered before.
It is an enriching and healing experience for them and they love to pass on this feeling to their audiences.
C O R P O R A T E / C H A R I T Y E V E N T S
KAYA are always very keen to lend their voices to charities and have performed at The Hilton for Canteen, Gearins Hotel for Oxfam and The Westin for Diabetes Buzz Ball, International Womens Day, Stepping Stone House, Breast Cancer Awareness Week, Music Talks Peace and for Hearts in Union in Orange to name a few.
KAYA are also perfect features at corporate events or any other celebrations and have been asked to share their talents for the Wine Society of Australia in Sydney and Johnson and Johnson in Port Douglas, Becca Cosmetics Launch, Historic Houses Trust, Stevens and Associates Law Firm in venues such as Government House, Parliment House, The Westin and Hilton Hotel and much more...
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